“This office takes seriously its responsibility of bringing all those who break the law to justice.

“That responsibility is made more challenging in prosecuting those who take an oath to uphold the law; those with whom we work, day in and day out, to protect all citizens of this state. It is disheartening for someone with a lifelong career in law enforcement – someone with what, up until that August morning, could be considered an exemplary career – to be marred by a criminal act. However, it is our responsibility as prosecutors, and the responsibility of police officers, to apply the law evenly, without fear or favor, to all those who break the law. It is then, and only then, that we can protect the confidence the public has instilled in our criminal justice system.

“Thank you to Mark Trovato, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General, and to retired Rhode Island State Police Lieutenant Nicholas Tella, who led the investigation, as well as State Police Lieutenant Ben Barney and Pawtucket Police Officer John Brown and fellow officers who, faced with a difficult task, upheld the law.”

“It is never a good day when a police officer is convicted of violating the public trust. However it is necessary to keep our judicial system above reproach. I would also like to commend the work of the RI State Police Detectives as well as the Pawtucket Police department for their integrity in handling this investigation.”